News Staff

A neighborhood argument in El Campo turned violent Sunday afternoon on Lundy Street. Around 4:30 p.m., police say 29-year-old Thomas Abisai Contreras shot a man in the arm during a dispute. EMS treated the victim at the scene before transporting him to Memorial Hermann in Houston. The injury was not life-threatening. Contreras, who lives next … Read more

Over 1,100 people packed Rusty Hook Ranch in Matagorda for the 3rd Annual Daryl Elliott Matagorda Slam. The one-day event raised funds for Texas Game Wardens and honored late Bay City native Daryl Elliott. Locals enjoyed a fishing tournament, 6,000 pounds of crawfish, and live music from Kolby Cooper. Team Food Man Chew dominated the … Read more

Early voting is done in El Campo and Wharton County, with over 1,200 ballots cast—most at the El Campo Library. Election Day is this Saturday, May 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. El Campo ISD voters will decide on an $81 million bond, the largest ever in the county, to rebuild major parts of … Read more

A former Texas school principal was arrested earlier this month in connection with the continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14. Kenneth Wade Wallace, 58, was tracked from his home in Valera to Cuero and arrested. The U.S. Marshals Task Force, along with the Victoria Police Department, helped apprehend him. Wallace, who previously served … Read more

Patrick Burton, the new principal of Hutchins Elementary for the ’25-26 school year, has roots in El Campo. Currently the assistant principal at El Campo Middle School, Burton stood out for his strong connections with staff and students. With 12 years in education, including eight at New Caney ISD, he’s excited to support Hutchins’ teachers. … Read more

Second Street Park in El Campo got a fresh lookon Earth Day as ten Chinese fringe trees were planted, thanks to a partnership between Keep El Campo Beautiful, Mayor Eugene Bustamante, and District 2 Councilmember Tom Coblentz. The flowering trees add seasonal color and are part of El Campo’s push as a certified Texas Scenic … Read more

After 12 days on the run, Rhea, the dog of newlyweds Thomas and Mackenzie Valdez from Cypress, was safely found in Bay City. She went missing during their wedding weekend. Local trainer Danika Feldman, with help from the community, tracked her daily route and used her dog brother Ares to lure her out. Residents shared … Read more

Hawes Dickerson, a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Bay City, has earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation. This credential focuses on key areas like retirement planning, estate planning, Social Security, and healthcare. Dickerson is eager to use this new knowledge to help clients achieve a secure retirement. Edward Jones, with over 20,000 advisors … Read more

At the El Campo Chamber of Commerce’s Kentucky Derby-themed gala on Thursday, Anthony Collins was named ’24 Citizen of the Year. Collins, a former City Council member and co-owner of E.A. Collins and Sons, was honored for his decades of service to the community. He’s been involved in local nonprofits, coached Little League, and contributed … Read more

Bay City Municipal Court has earned a statewide award for its efforts to keep local roads safer. The Texas Municipal Courts Education Center recognized the court with a Traffic Safety Initiatives Award for reaching young students with hands-on lessons about car seat safety and the dangers of impaired driving. Court Administrator Katey Plunkett has led … Read more